Orlando Pirates winger says he has been waiting for a chance at Pirates

Thabo Qalinge has explained what brought about the change of fortunes for him at Orlando Pirates.

Qalinge has started the season like a house on fire, as he has been enjoying regular game time and producing improved performances under Coach Milutin Sredojevic.

The 26-year-old has started in all of the six matches for Pirates this season and his name has already been on the score sheet two times. Speaking to Soccer Laduma, Qalinge explained the change of fortunes for him now that he is playing regularly.

“Err… (sighs) Angifuni uk’tshel’ amanga (I don’t want to lie to you), the only thing that’s changed is being given a chance and grabbing it. When someone isn’t playing, it is not because of personal issues or problems between the player and the coach. We always have to respect the coaches’ decisions because they know what they’re doing. People sometimes think the coach doesn’t like a certain player when he doesn’t play him. Most of the time, it is about the team and not individuals. I have played five games in a row and that’s something I have not done in a long time at the club. I’m grateful for the chance because every player wants to play. That’s how you gain your confidence and fitness, not just at training. For now, it has been a positive start and I will keep improving by every game, learning from my mistakes in order to improve,” said Qalinge.

Section 10, as the winger is known in football circles, says Bucs look to turn things around in their match against Polokwane City, following their loss against Bidvest Wits in their previous match.

“Just like us, they go into this match on the back of a loss and that means they will also be looking to turn things around. It is not going to be an easy game but we will go there with a positive mind. We both need results and we will do everything possible to get them,” added Qalinge.

The former Mpumalanga Black Aces player has spoken about Bucs’ good start to the season, the need to make their supporters happy and what it means to play for the Soweto giants.